Maximilian Obwexer, a former engineer from Austria, faced a dilemma with the high costs of conventional heating oil. As a natural tinkerer and with a background in hydropower plants, he set out to find a more efficient way to heat his home. After delving into Bitcoin mining, he founded 21energy three years ago. The company specializes in creating robust and visually stunning Bitcoin miners for home use.
The early models of the company’s flagship product, Ofen 1, boasted impressive mining speeds of up to 10 TH/s, with the premium model reaching up to 40 TH/s. With a focus on aesthetics and functionality, the new Ofen 2 (35-42 TH/s) is designed as a sleek radiator powered by Bitcoin. Users have the option to solo mine or join mining pools, offering flexibility in their mining approach.
Obwexer highlighted the significance of Bitcoin heaters in addressing the challenges facing the European grid at the Nordic Bitcoin conference BTCHel. With the continent heavily reliant on energy imports and transitioning to renewable sources like wind and solar power, there is a growing need for decentralized grid balancing solutions. Excess electricity production from renewables poses challenges for grid management, leading to wasted energy and increased costs for consumers.
21energy’s Bitcoin heaters provide a practical solution for consumers looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy ecosystem. Obwexer emphasized that the economics of Bitcoin mining align with environmental goals, attracting climate-conscious consumers interested in decentralized energy solutions.
Moving forward, 21energy plans to explore opportunities for using mobile Bitcoin miners to support grid-level load shedding initiatives. By leveraging Bitcoin mining technology, hydro plants and other energy producers can optimize their production in response to grid demands more efficiently.
In conclusion, Obwexer expressed optimism about the future of Bitcoin mining in Europe and the transformative potential of decentralized energy solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, 21energy is leading the way in revolutionizing home heating and energy production. From Tyrol to the world, the company is committed to driving positive change in the energy sector through cutting-edge technology.